Luke 17:36 – “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus is continuing His description of the sudden and unexpected nature of His return. Two men are working side by side in the field, but when the moment of judgment comes, one will be taken, and the other will be left behind. This separation is immediate and decisive, showing that judgment will cut right through ordinary life without warning.
This passage emphasizes that being physically near someone who is saved does not mean both will share the same fate. One man will be taken to safety, symbolizing salvation, while the other will be left behind, symbolizing judgment. The difference between the two is not based on their work, proximity, or relationship—it’s based on their individual response to God’s call to repentance and faith.
Historical Context
In the agricultural society of the first century, working in the fields was a common daily task. Men would often work together to plow, plant, or harvest crops. Jesus uses this familiar image to teach a spiritual truth: even those who are close in proximity and daily activity can face very different outcomes when the day of judgment arrives.
This teaching would have been particularly striking for Jesus’ audience. Many Jewish people believed that God’s judgment would be national or communal, affecting large groups rather than individuals. But Jesus shifts the focus to personal responsibility, making it clear that salvation is not about being part of a group or nation—it’s about an individual relationship with God.
The historical context also ties into the examples Jesus had just given of Noah and Lot. In both stories, people were living their daily lives, unaware of the judgment that was about to come. This verse is a continuation of that theme, emphasizing the need for constant readiness.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several key theological truths. First, it reinforces the individual nature of salvation. No one can be saved because of their association with others; each person is responsible for their own response to God’s invitation. Just as one man in the field is taken and the other is left, so it will be when Jesus returns. It’s not enough to be around believers—we must personally believe in and follow Christ.
Second, this verse illustrates the sudden and unexpected nature of God’s judgment. Jesus’ return will interrupt normal life, separating people based on their relationship with Him. There will be no time to prepare once the moment arrives, which is why Jesus continually warns His followers to stay ready.
Theologically, this passage also points to the finality of judgment. Once the separation occurs, there will be no second chances. Those who are taken will experience salvation, while those who are left will face judgment.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses parallelism and contrast to convey its message. The image of two men working together highlights the similarity of their outward circumstances, but their differing fates emphasize the inward spiritual reality. The repetition of the phrase “one will be taken and the other left” (also seen in the surrounding verses) creates a rhythm that underscores the urgency and seriousness of the message.
The simplicity of the language and the use of everyday imagery make this teaching accessible and relatable. The setting of the field, a place of work and routine, reinforces the idea that judgment will come when life seems ordinary and unremarkable. This unexpected interruption reflects the sudden nature of Christ’s return, which will catch many by surprise.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 24:40-41 – “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”
- Luke 12:39-40 – “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
- 2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
- Amos 4:12 – “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a wake-up call to live with spiritual readiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the routines of daily life—working, pursuing goals, and taking care of responsibilities. But Jesus warns that we must be ready for His return at all times because it will happen without warning.
This verse also reminds believers of the importance of personal faith. It’s not enough to be surrounded by Christian influences, attend church, or live in a Christian family. Each person must make their own decision to follow Christ. The separation between the two men in the field shows that salvation is not determined by proximity to others but by a personal relationship with Jesus.
Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to think about their responsibility to share the gospel. The fact that one person is taken and the other is left behind should motivate believers to share the message of salvation with those around them, knowing that the day of Christ’s return is approaching.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He warns us about the coming judgment and gives us time to prepare. His desire is that all people would come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). The separation described in this verse is not because God is unloving—it’s the result of people’s choices to accept or reject His offer of salvation.
God’s love is also shown in His patience. He doesn’t want anyone to be left behind, which is why He continues to call people to repentance and faith. But His warnings are clear: the time to respond is now because the opportunity for salvation will not last forever.
This verse also highlights God’s justice. While He is loving and patient, He is also just. Those who reject His offer of salvation will face the consequences of that choice, but those who trust in Him will be saved.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as both the Savior and the Judge. His return will be the moment of separation between those who have trusted in Him and those who have rejected Him. The one who is taken will be gathered to Jesus, as described in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, while the one who is left will face judgment.
Jesus’ role as the Savior means that He offers salvation to all who believe in Him, but His role as the Judge means that He will hold people accountable for their choices. The separation between the two men in the field reflects the reality of the gospel: those who accept Jesus will experience eternal life, while those who reject Him will face judgment.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you living with a sense of readiness for Christ’s return, or have you become too focused on daily life?
- How can you make sure your relationship with God is personal and not just influenced by the faith of those around you?
- What does this verse teach you about the urgency of sharing the gospel with others?
- How does understanding both God’s love and His justice affect the way you live and share your faith?
- What steps can you take today to strengthen your relationship with God and live in obedience to His call?
This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ return will be sudden and that salvation is a personal decision. The separation between the two men working in the field highlights the urgency of being ready and the importance of trusting in Christ today. By living in faith and sharing the gospel, believers can be prepared for the day when Jesus comes again.